Word Origin & History

1520s, "to be in agreement, to be in harmony with," from Middle French correspondre (14c.) or directly from Medieval Latin correspondere, from cor- (see com-) "together, with each other" + respondere "to answer" (see respond).

Originally in Medieval Latin of two things in mutual action, but by later Medieval Latin it could be used of one thing only. In English, sense of "to be similar" (to) is from 1640s; that of "to hold communication with" is from c.1600; specifically "to communicate by means of letters" from 1640s (in mid-18c. it also could mean "have sex"). Related: Corresponded; corresponding.

Example Sentences for corresponded

They corresponded to the modern labourer, but lacked his freedom.

The lowest class of all were the servi, or serfs, who corresponded to the Saxon theows.

And mine began early: for I ought not to have corresponded with him.

But Ella was not forgotten or neglected; they often corresponded.

Her conduct since has corresponded with that of her husband.

This was the subjective which corresponded to the objective 'All is flux.'

Then for months we corresponded about the face of the Heroine alone.

How would you like it if I corresponded with another fellow?

This story, it will be observed, corresponded with that told by Brazzier himself.

The solicitors with whom she had corresponded have long since ceased to receive tidings of her.